Prime Minister Narendra Modi, speaking from Guwahati on December 20, 2025, positioned the inauguration of a new airport terminal as a pivotal moment in rectifying what he termed historical injustices against Assam and the wider Northeast region.
A New Terminal, A New Narrative
While inaugurating the enhanced airport infrastructure, Prime Minister Modi launched a sharp critique against previous Congress-led governments. He accused them of deliberately sidelining the Northeast for decades, questioning the very necessity of building robust infrastructure in states like Assam. This mindset, according to Modi, led to prolonged periods of economic and developmental stagnation, leaving the region disconnected from the nation's growth story.
The Prime Minister asserted that the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) "double-engine government"—a reference to the same party being in power at both the centre and the state—has fundamentally reversed this approach. He highlighted that under the current regime, highways, railway lines, and airports are being delivered at an unprecedented pace, transforming the connectivity landscape of the Northeast.
Connectivity as a Catalyst for Pride and Prosperity
Modi framed the new Guwahati airport terminal as tangible proof of his government's commitment to the region. He emphasized that improved air, road, and rail links are not merely about transportation but are opening up new economic possibilities for the people of Assam. This infrastructure push, he stated, is also instrumental in restoring a sense of pride among the residents, who had long felt neglected by the power centre in Delhi.
Stressing his personal bond with Assam and the Northeastern states, the Prime Minister contrasted the present scenario with the past. He claimed that development now flows to the region in a consistent and uninterrupted manner, unlike the alleged neglect and policy paralysis that characterized earlier eras.
Political Undertones and the Road Ahead
The speech in Guwahati served to reinforce the BJP's core political narrative ahead of future electoral battles. It wove together themes of accelerated growth, efficient governance, and the delivery of regional justice. By directly blaming the Congress for historical underdevelopment and positioning the BJP as the force correcting those mistakes, Modi aimed to solidify his party's appeal in a region that is strategically important.
The event on December 20th was more than an infrastructure inauguration; it was a platform to articulate a clear political dichotomy: a past of neglect versus a present of proactive development, with the BJP squarely on the side of progress for the Northeast.
